HP Introduces Mini 5101- Stylish Netbook

HP Mini 5101

While HP seems to release a new netbook every week, it doesn’t really. The company was simply one of the first big OEMs to jump on the netbook category and thas continued to regularly improve its products in the line. Its newest effort in the netbook, or mini-notebook, as HP prefers to call it, is the Mini 5101. The Mini 5101 takes over where the Mini 2140 left off — and it looks pretty darn good.

I spoke with HP at length about the Mini 5101. It’s aimed at the professional worker who needs a highly portable notebook that is as functional as any netbook available. What sets the Mini 5101 apart from other models on the market is a new stylish look that is designed to stand up to the bumps and bruises that notebooks get while being carried around. The 5101 only weights 2.6 pounds yet is very sturdy due to the combination of aluminum and magnesium that HP used.

The Mini 5101 sports a new chiclet-style keyboard, which has allowed HP to grow from the good 92 percent scaled version on the Mini 2140 to a full 95 percent scaled keyboard. It features HP’s DuraKeys covering, which reduces wear and tear on the keys. Included as well is a trackpad with buttons positioned beneath it rather than on the sides, like the previous model.

Connectivity is critical for netbooks; with this version, integrated wireless broadband using Gobi technology is optional, which will work on nearly any carrier’s network worldwide.

HP is offering two battery options, a standard 4-cell and a 6-cell. The batteries can be charged to a 90 percent charge in just 90 minutes due to HP’s Fast Charge technology. There will be a software solution to allow syncing of the Mini 5101 to another computer; it will available for download in September, according to HP.

The starting price for the Mini 5101 is $449 and that gets you the standard configuration with the Atom N280 processor (1.66 GHz), 1 GB of RAM, 160 GB storage and Windows XP. The memory can be expanded to 2 GB by the user due to a simple tool-less access door on the 5101.  Windows XP configurations can only be ordered with 1 GB of memory but can be expanded by the user. An 80 GB SSD option is available along with HDD options up to 320 GB. The standard display is 10.1 inches at 1024×600 but an HD option (1366×768) is available. The Mini 5101 will be available in late July.

Full specs after the jump.

• Processor: Intel Atom N280 (1.66 GHz, 512 KB L2 cache, 533 MHz FSB)
• Memory: 1 GB DDR2; 1 slot up to 2 GB (max. 1 GB with Windows XP)
• Storage: 160/250/320 GB 7,200 rpm SATA; 80 GB SSD
• Graphics: Mobile Intel GMA 950
• Display: 10.1-inch LED backlit; WSVGA; HD option
• Audio/ Visual: Hi-def audio, stereo speakers, stereo microphones, audio in jack/ audio out jack; 2 MP webcam
• Wireless: optional un2400 EV-DO/ HSPA (Gobi) mobile broadband; Wi-Fi; optional Bluetooth 2.0
• Communications: Ethernet 10/100/1000
• Expansion Slots: SD, MMC
• Ports: 3 USB 2.0 (1 powered), VGA, power, Ethernet, audio in, audio out
• Security: Kensington lock; HP Disk Sanitizer
• Dimensions: 0.91 x 10.3 x 7.09 in/ 23.2 x 262 x 180 mm
• Weight: 2.64 lb./ 1.2 kg. (with hard drive)
• Power: 4-cell (29 WHr, 6-cell (55 WHr LiON, 65 W A/C adapter
• Optional Expansion: HP USB 2.0 Docking Station, HP USB 2.0 Port Replicator